The Arkansaw traveler., 1887-09-10
A rELEoRApHRR.s EXPLOIT.
Salveston News.

The writer was ordered across the river opposite Vicksburg, with in structions not to be absent from hls post moro than one hour at time. 1 All batteries at Vicksburg were or dered to respect my red light as night and green flag by day when crossing ! the river in a skiff, which l used for ] the purpose of sending for supplies and forwarding any news to the gen. | eral commanding.
 One dark and stormy night-l shall never forget it--l had met several of the soldier boys from Houston-my old schoolmates, most of them-many ] long since dead. but hope not for gotten, and naturally we enjoyed our selves, causing the writer to oyerstay his time somewhat. Although having on board a considerable amount of Louisville rum, the only drink ob- tainable in Nicksburg, an idea took possession of me that it was very inn portant should bc at my post at once, as something might occur, which, should it occur without my knowl- edge, would rendcra dcsertion of the Gonictieraey necessary on my part.
 The wind was blowing hurricane. and the waves of the old Mississippi were fearful to look upon. feared my frail craft would hardly live in such a sea, but knowing it to be all my own fault that had been caught ill such storm on the wrong side of the river determined mo to cross at all hazards, After superhuman efforts reached the Louisiana shore in safety. Hastily securing my boat, with n choking sensation at my throat, for excitement at neglect of my duty had rendered me almost n paralytic, rushed into the office, and, as telegraphers say, cut in. Tnstantaneously heard my old chum Daniel calling "v, V" with the energy of despair. answered, "i, i, i i-v."
 His first words were: Great God, ] F., sixty nine transports and gun boats have passed since dark, and as far as the eye can reach up the river they are still coming. Rush across and give the alarm. leave here. for this line will be destroyed and of no more service"
 The storm had not abated, but with out a thought of danger 1 hurried across to Nicksburg. A great ball was in progress, at which the general and his staff, as well as beauty and ] chivalry of the surrounding country were present. The great house was Il surging mass of dancers and prome- mdcrs Singling out the. general. l walked up to him respectfully, sa- luting himself and lady partner. l will never forget his scowl at me, tor 1 was thoroughly drenchcd and mud from head to foot, nor will l ever for get the curious and wondering look given me by the ladies, with whom | was one of the favored bcauX myself, being dandy and masher to my highest capacity. cannot imagine what they thought of my appearance. 1 hadn't time to feel ashamed of my condition, or at my trnmp-like outfit in the magnificent throng.
 As l stepped close to the general he exclaimed, "Well, sir!" in a loud and threatening manner. merely handed him Il piece of paper upon which l had hastily written the number of boats that had passed, etc.
 He glanced at it at first deliberately but in n second he drew it close to his eyes. His face paled, his brow con tracted and he exclaimed:
 Where did you get this iniorma- tion, sir?"
 My only reply was,"I am stationed across the river, opposite this city, in charge of the telegraph, by your or der"
 The great crowd had pressed around us as his remarks to me were in a very high key. He exclaimed: "Wcll done, sir, thank you;" and turning to the crowd, exclaimed All officers of the army will hurry to their respective camps at once. The enemy are within few miles of us, and may land by morning. All families wishing to leave the city will be furnished trans portation by rail-" In five minutes that ball was thing of the past.
 Every one then living at Vicksburg remembers our big fight at Chicasaw bayou day or two afterward, where the enemy landed and where they were so terribly defeated, causing them to retreat up the river, not troubling Vicksburg to any extent for many long day.
 Dust thou art, unto dust thou must